What happens at the convention?

The convention is an opportunity for community theatres in our region to present 30 minute excerpts from a show from their season. This is actually a convention of OCTA (Ohio Community Theatre Association) and is hosted by our region. All OCTA member theatres in our region are eligible to attend. Those theatres participating are critiqued by 3 adjudicators from the state and the shows are considered by those judges for advancing to the state level. The number of shows advancing to the state level is based on the total number of theatres participating.

On convention weekend, excerpts are presented every 45 minutes, which consists of time for the group to set up, present a 30 minute excerpt, strike their set, and hear critiques from the 3 adjudicators.

Saturday evening, there is a banquet, followed by an awards ceremony.

Where is the convention?

The excerpts take place at the Hamilton campus of Miami University. Directions are available on the registration form and online.

Where is the banquet?

The banquet is on Saturday night after the final excerpt at the Conference Hotel.

Are rooms made available at the hotel for the convention weekend?

Yes, a block a rooms with a discounted rate is set aside for ACT on both Friday and Saturday nights of convention weekend. To receive this discounted rate, you must call the hotel and ask for the ACT rate by the deadline listed on the registration form.

What are the different registration packages?

You may register for each event individually, including the excerpts, the banquet, or the awards/party. You may also register for combinations of some or all of the events.

Do I have to pre-register for the convention?

You only have to pre-register for the convention if you want to attend the banquet or if you want a box lunch on Saturday afternoon. If you only want to attend the excerpts and/or the awards ceremony, you may pay at the door.

How do I get a registration form?
Registration forms are sent to a mailing list consisting of names provided by each member theatre. If you did not receive a form through the mail, they are available online at www.cincinnatiusa.com/cinstage or from any group ACT representative.

Can I register online?

Yes, you can register online at www.cincinnatiusa.com/cinstage for a small fee.

If I am in an excerpt, do I have to pay?

Yes, everyone involved in an excerpt must pay and fill out a registration form. This includes cast, crew and orchestra members. Failure to register can result in not being permitted to participate in your excerpt.

Do the parents of children in excerpts have to pay?

Anyone that enters the theatre must register and pay. If parents wish to drop their child off and wait in the lobby, they will be permitted to do this. If they want to see the excerpt, they must pay.

Is there a price difference for children?

No, there is only one registration price for all ages.

If I pre-register, where will I pick up my registration?

Registration packets will be available at the location of the excerpts in a clearly marked area. Any registrations not picked up at the site of the excerpts will be available outside the banquet hall on the night of the banquet and awards ceremony.

How will I be identified as being registered?

Everyone will receive a name badge in their registration packet, along with a lanyard to allow the badge to be worn around your neck. The badge must be worn at all times for admittance into the theater. Only cast members in costume are exempt from wearing their badge. Orchestra members performing for an excerpt must show or wear their badge to be admitted into the theatre for their excerpt.

Is there a discount for registering early?

Yes, there is a discounted rate for registering early. Deadline for this early registration is listed on the registration form.

Is there a deadline for pre-registration?

Yes. The deadline for pre-registration is printed on the registration form.

Should I order a box lunch?

The lunch break on Saturday is typically 1 – 1 ½ hours. There are restaurants in Hamilton located approximately 15 minutes from the campus. A box lunch may be a convenient alternative to having to leave the campus for lunch.

Can I purchase a box lunch the weekend of the convention?

Box lunches must be pre-ordered, as we only order the exact number of lunches for which we have registrations. However, box lunches that are unclaimed on Saturday afternoon will be made available.

Can I buy banquet tickets the weekend of the convention?

No. The hotel requires us to have our final count to them prior to the weekend of convention.

Is the conference two days or three days?

We plan for a two day convention, but reserve the right to extend it to a third day depending on the number of theatre that decide to participate.

Do I have to come to the banquet to hear the awards?

No. You may buy a ticket for the awards ceremony, which occurs after the banquet. Special seating is arranged in the ballroom for these attendees.

What awards are given?

The awards ceremony includes the President’s Award, the Art Rouse Award, the Mario Pitocco Award, the Roger Grooms Award, the Orchid Awards, and the awards from the state.

What do I wear to the banquet/awards ceremony?

Attire is generally semi-formal.

Who do I contact with questions?

General questions should be directed to 1st Vice President, Arlene Borock at borocka@yahoo.com, or by phone at 513-490-5485. Questions regarding registration may be directed to Tracy, or to Joy Sharp, jsharpact7@yahoo.com, or by phone at 513-895-0099.